New cars coming in 2022

Consulting the crystal ball regarding upcoming vehicles isn’t an absolute science, but some manufacturers are nonetheless eager to give us a glimpse of their plans for the immediate future. Here are most of the new cars you could expect to arrive in 2022, and it sure looks like the upcoming year will be a busy one! This is by no means an exhaustive list, and some surprise arrivals are also sure to pop up through the year. 

Alfa Romeo

After seeing out 2021 with updates to their two existing models (Giulia and Stelvio), and unleashing sizzling GTA and GTAm variations of their amazing Giulia sports sedan, Alfa Romeo’s biggest new should be the arrival of the new Tonale compact SUV. Very few details are known about this new arrival at the moment, but expect the Tonale to be a stylish challenger to the BMW X1/X2, Audi Q2/Q3, and Volvo XC40.

Aston Martin

As we speculated in this 2020 article, the Aston Martin Vantage V12 is set to make its comeback in 2022. Most likely employing a detuned version of the DB11 AMR’s 5.2-litre twin-turbo engine, outputs should be at least 447 kW and 700 Nm, to give the light and agile Vantage a really serious turn of speed. 

Audi

Performance and electrification will be Audi SA’s main focal points for 2022. On the petrol-powered front, we’ll see the latest RS 3 models, still powered by the legendary inline-5-cylinder engine, to complete the onslaught of high-performance Audis that started in March 2021. 

We will also see the rollout of Audi e-tron models, starting early in 2022. Expect the e-tron SUV and Sportback, Q4 e-tron SUV and Sportback, and e-tron GT to find their ways here in due course. This will however depend on international availability of these models, so it’s unlikely that we’ll welcome the entire range in one go.

 

BMW

Following the release of their iX EV late in 2021, BMW is set to expand their line of all-electric offerings with the imminent release of the i4 and iX3 – electrified versions of their 4 Series and X3, respectively. Expect the i4 (in “M50” guise) to offer M4-rivalling performance, with 400 kW on tap and a claimed 0 – 100 km/h dash in 3.9 seconds.

 

Chery

With the Chery brand’s re-introduction to South Africa, the plan is to maintain the momentum created by the impressive Tiggo 4 Pro. The range is due to expand through the introduction of more models, which should make this revitalised Chinese manufacturer even more of a competitor in our very crowded marketplace.

 

Ferrari

2022 should see the worldwide (and local) release of the first modern-era Ferrari with a V6 engine (and one of the first road-car applications of a 120-degree V6), which also features new-generation hybrid technology to ensure that the stunning 296 GTB still performs like a real Ferrari. With a combined system output of 610 kW, it certainly won’t be lacking in performance, as its 0 – 100 km/h dash is claimed to take only 2.9 seconds. 

 

Ford

The Figo is set to disappear from local showroom floors, on account of Ford closing their Indian operations (which supplied local Figos). This won’t affect the popular EcoSport, which will continue to be imported from elsewhere (albeit with some likely specification changes along the way). But Ford’s big news is all about the new Ranger, which will be likely released on the local market in Q2 of 2022. Also expect announcements regarding the upcoming Everest, although that one may only arrive here in 2023.

 

GWM and Haval

With the Haval P Series bakkie proving to be local sales success, we don’t expect much to change for this well-regarded newcomer in 2022. The new Haval H6 and Jolion could see the introduction of hybrid variants, though, giving a greater variety in powertrains for these strong-selling compact SUV/crossovers.

 

Honda

2022 will likely be a quiet year for Honda in South Africa, with the only expected changes being some specification updates for the C-RV and little Amaze sedan. 

 

Hyundai

Following a busy and successful 2021 at Hyundai, the pace should slow down a tad in 2022. The rest of their range is still fresh, so Hyundai will instead focus most of their attention on the next-generation Tucson. The new model will move more-upmarket (to create more breathing room for the Creta, Kona, and Venue), and will expand Hyundai’s increasingly distinctive styling cues, advanced in-car technology, and higher performance to the mid-level SUV market.

 

Isuzu

With the new mu-X already on our roads, Isuzu will also finally launch the next-generation D-Max in South Africa. Expect local refinements to give the South African-made Isuzu D-Max a completely different character to the related (but imported) new Mazda BT-50, along with a rather better value proposition.

 

Jeep

The Compass could be set for a come-back, provided Jeep can get the pricing right, so there may be some new opposition in the compact/mid-sized SUV market soon. But the main story will be the local release of the all-new Grand Cherokee, finally replacing a model that’s been with us for more than a decade already. 

 

Kia

With run-out examples of the outgoing Sorento and Grand Sedona slowly departing dealership floors, we expect the new Sorento SUV and Carnival MPV (or Sedona/Grand Sedona, depending on the naming convention at play) to finally arrive in South Africa in 2022. There will be little action lower down the model range, although the Sonet could receive a downsized turbopetrol engine, and some electric models (Niro and EV6) are also being considered.

 

Land Rover

With most of their model range having received extensive updates over the last few years, the time has finally come for the top-tier Range Rover to be replaced. Revealed towards the end of 2021, the next-generation Range Rover is bound to again be rich in in-car technology, and include various hybrid powertrain options as well.

 

Lexus

Almost the entire Lexus range has been updated in 2021, with the sole exception being the mid-level NX SUV. But 2022 will see the next-generation NX arrive, once again sporting challenging styling, hybrid powertrain options, and various trim levels, along with the new Land Cruiser 300’s fancier twin, the new Lexus LX.

 

Lotus

This British specialist manufacturer is likely to maintain a low profile in South Africa, but their new Emira sports car is expected midway through the year, courtesy of Daytona Group. This model is set to replace the old Elise, Exige and Evora ranges, with power sourced either from AMG (the “M139” 2.0-litre 4-cylinder from the A45) or Toyota (a supercharged 3.5-litre V6). 

 

Mahindra

Much to our disappointment, the next-generation Thar failed to materialise in South Africa during 2021, and its release is looking more doubtful by the day. However, the new, higher-end, XUV700 mid-sized SUV may arrive during 2022 (pending availability issues being resolved), while the compact (and criminally-overlooked) XUV300 crossover is due for some specification upgrades.

 

Maserati

Following the release of the Ghibli Hybrid in 2021, Maserati’s hybrid range will expand to include the Levante in 2022. But the most excitement is sure to be generated by the stunning new MC20 supercar, which will see its first local deliveries early in 2022. 

 

McLaren

The main story here will be the local release of the new Artura plug-in hybrid supercar. Boasting an all-new 120-degree, twin-turbo V6 engine, total system outputs of 500 kW and 700 Nm should realise stirring performance, while upgraded in-car tech should keep the latest McLaren up to speed against its competitors as well. 

 

Mercedes-Benz

As far as their ICE-powered offerings are concerned, the big news from Mercedes-Benz will be the new C-Class and S-Class becoming available in South Africa, but this company’s main focus will be on electrification. Depending on availability, we can expect various “EQ”-branded models, largely mirroring a selection of the company’s line-up of ICE SUVs and sedans.

 

Renault

We expected the new Clio and Captur to arrive in 2021, but those models failed to materialise as predicted. They are now scheduled for 2022, and are still aimed at the Volkswagen Polo and T-Cross, respectively. 

 

Suzuki

Seeing as the budget/city car market is booming in South Africa, the next-generation Celerio should rake in more strong sales for Suzuki Auto SA. Again positioned between the S-Presso and the Swift, the new Celerio is available internationally with 1.0-litre 3-cylinder power or a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder, but it’s unlikely that we’ll receive the larger engine in our market (because it may compete too closely with the lower-end Swifts).

 

Toyota

Maintaining the performance trend started with the revived Supra and then continued with the mind-blowing GR Yaris, we’ll also see the new GR86 in 2022 to replace the GT86. Co-developed with Subaru (who won’t bring their version to SA), rear-wheel drive and a boxer engine will again feature in this mid-level sports car, but a displacement bump to 2.4-litres should see power and torque rise to 170 kW and 150 Nm. Still not really hot, but miles ahead of the old car’s 2.0-litre nonetheless.

 

Volkswagen

The refreshed Polo is already rolling off the production lines, but 2022 has more in store than just this revised favourite. We’ll also see the new Taigo entry-level “SUV-coupé” arrive, alongside a new Polo sedan. Meanwhile performance fanatics can look forward to the new Golf R and Tiguan R, while the Tiguan Allspace will receive a facelift to bring it in line with the recently-revised Tiguan in appearance and technology.